Abstract

METHODS: Thirty optometry student volunteers were divided into two groups, with one being an experimental group and the other being a control group. Prior to study commencement, each group was required to complete a questionnaire regarding how they perceived they would adapt to rigid gas permeable lenses in each of nine categories. The categories tested were dryness, itching, pain, lens movement, lacrimation, blinking, overall comfort, overall adaptation, and overall satisfaction. Upon study commencement, the experimental group received one drop in each eye of Voltaren 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and just prior to lens insertion. The control group received drops of the ocular lubricating drop Genteal following the same regimen as the experimental group. Lenses were inserted in both eyes of each subject in both groups after the third drop instillation. Each group was allowed to acclimate to their lenses for one hour at which time each group received one more of their respective drops in both eyes. Both groups continued to acclimate to the lenses for one more hour. At the end of the second hour both groups were required to complete a questionnaire regarding how they felt they adapted to the rigid lenses. Lenses were then removed upon completion of the adaptation questionnaire.